Home defense long gun - Rem 870 pump shotgun to Mini 14

This is a discussion on Home defense long gun - Rem 870 pump shotgun to Mini 14 within the Defensive Rifles & Shotgun Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; I have an older 870 20 ga. which usually eats everything. Have experienced same extraction problem with reloads -but seldom with factory ammo. (just pitching ...

I have an older 870 20 ga. which usually eats everything. Have experienced same extraction problem with reloads -but seldom with factory ammo. (just pitching it out for what it's worth.....) My wife is petite, and likes the 20 ga real well.

My current HD/SD long gun is my personally-owned duty 870P, with a Vang-comped barrel that shoots tight patterns. Because my "qual" is current, it has the blessing of employer's legal staff, and all that entails. It is a bit clumsy to operate in some conditions, but it is very, very familiar, which counts for much. Yes, my 870Ps a true comfort gun, as in comforting, not comfortable, to borrow words from Clint Smith.

Then, there are my two Mini-14 rifles, both 580-series. One has a Sage International SCAR stock, the other factory synthetic. Both have the factory flash hiders. I truly love the handling qualities, which are perfect for a lefty like myself. When I retire from policin', sometime in the next few years, these Minis will be my go-to long weapons. I will not forsake the 870P, my beloved companion of some hairy moments, but it will be used selectively, rather than generally.

The Mini may not be military-tough, but, hey, I am not very tough, physically, anymore. I will break down long before a Mini will, whether it will be my bad knee, my limited-function right shoulder-arm-wrist-hand, or something else that gives out.

The Mini is both comforting, and comfortable. Life is good!

You touched on another advantage of the Mini 14 that I failed to mention. My wife is a lefty, and the ambidextrous safety and mag release on the Mini make it better suited for her. Good reminder!